CVE-2017-6744 Cisco IOS software: memory-safety flaw
In plain words: The program mishandles the memory it uses to keep track of data. A specially made input can scramble that memory. Usually lets an attacker crash the program or run their own code with its permissions.
Confirmed exploited by CISA on · US federal patch deadline Mar 24, 2022
What to do
- Install Cisco's security update for IOS software. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships.
- Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
- Restart your phone every few days; some spyware does not survive a reboot.
- If you are a journalist, activist, lawyer, politician or executive, turn on Lockdown Mode (iPhone) or Advanced Protection (Android).
Who is affected
Could reach you. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.
What's at risk: Messages, photos, location, microphone and camera. The most serious ones are "zero-click": no tap needed from the owner. They are usually used as spyware against a small number of chosen people.
The details
- Official name
- Cisco IOS Software SNMP Remote Code Execution Vulnerability
- Product
- Cisco IOS software
- CISA description
- The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) subsystem of Cisco IOS 1 contains a vulnerability that could allow an authenticated, remote attacker to remotely execute code on an affected system or cause an affected system to reload. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by sending a crafted SNMP packet to an affected system via IPv4 or IPv6.
- Type of flaw
- Memory-safety flaw (CWE-119)
- Confirmed exploited
- Mar 3, 2022
- US federal patch deadline
- Mar 24, 2022
Ask Cleus about it
Ask about a vulnerability, an update, a weird message, or the news. Plain-word answers, free, no account.
Answering about CVE-2017-6744 ·
Questions about CVE-2017-6744
Is CVE-2017-6744 being exploited?
Yes. CISA added CVE-2017-6744 to its Known Exploited Vulnerabilities catalog on Mar 3, 2022, which means there is reliable evidence of real-world attacks.
How do I fix CVE-2017-6744?
Install Cisco's security update for IOS software. If no update exists, follow the vendor's workaround or stop using the product until one ships. Install system updates the day they come out — most phone zero-days are fixed in a point release.
Am I affected by CVE-2017-6744?
Only if you use Cisco IOS software. This one is aimed at devices or apps of the kind people own.